Palm Bay, FL: The American Christian Fiction Writers in person conference at the Hyatt Regency at the Arch, St. Louis included their 2022 Awards Gala with a number of significant industry awards. Prolific author and devoted mentor and teacher Gayle Roper was honored with ACFW’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Among other recognitions are the following winners of the Carol Awards, honoring Christian fiction published in the previous calendar year.
Congratulations to these Carol Award winning authors and their publishing houses and editors.
Contemporary
A Piece of the Moon by Chris Fabry
Tyndale House
Editor – Sarah Rische
Historical
The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli
Tyndale House
Editors – Caleb Sjogren and Jan Stob
Historical Romance
The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden
Bethany House (Baker) Publishing
Editors Raela Schoenherr and Jessica Sharpe
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Dark Intercept by Andrews and Wilson
Tyndale House
Editor Karen Watson
Novella
A Texas Christmas Carol (from Under the Texas Mistletoe) by Karen Witemeyer
Bethany House (Baker) Publishing
Editors Dave Long and Jessica Sharpe
Romance
All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese
Bethany House (Baker) Publishing
Editors Sarah Long and Raela Schoenherr
Romantic Suspense
Driven by Sara Davison
Mountain Brook Ink
Editor Miralee Ferrell
Short Novel
Choosing His Family by Jill Lynn
Love Inspired (Harlequin)
Editor Shana Asaro
Speculative
Windward Shore by Sharon Hinck
Enclave Publishing
Editors Lindsay Franklin and Reagen Reed
Young Adult
Realms of Light by Sandra Fernandez Rhoads
Enclave Publishing
Editors Lisa Laube and Steve Laube
Debut Author
Sugar Birds by Cheryl Grey Bostrom
She Writes Press
Editors Sandra Byrd and Alexandra Shelley
Congratulations also go to the winners of the 2022 Genesis Contest for to-date unpublished Christian fiction:
- Contemporary—Shelli Littleton for The Memory List
- Historical—Christine Boatwright for The Lion Prophecy
- Historical Romance—Christine J Hill for Winter Bride
- Mystery/Suspense/Thriller—Ann Larson for The Three Panels
- Novella—Annette Griffin for The Knightly Stalker
- Romance—Lori DeJong for Love’s True Calling
- Romantic Suspense—Breana Johnson for Deadly Superstitions
- Short Novel—Lyndee Henderson for Signs of Love
- Speculative—John Leatherman for Capable
- Young Adult—Amy Bryant for Daughter of Lion, Son of Mage
Also announced during the virtual gala were the following:
- Editor of the Year—Stephanie Broene – Tyndale House Publishers
- Agent of the Year—Cynthia Ruchti – Books and Such Literary Agency
- Mentor of the Year—DiAnn Mills
- Volunteer of the Year Award—Becky Yauger
- Member Service Award—Hallee Bridgeman
Special thanks to the contest coordinators: Genesis—Teresa Haugh, Carol Award—Gabrielle Meyer, ACFW Contests Administrator—Robert Turner, and to the judges, assistants, and ACFW staff.
ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) is a professional organization devoted to the craft of Christian Fiction. Its mission is to “help you tell your stories by inspiring you to partner with God in the creative process, learn the craft, and find your audience.” For more information about ACFW: https://www.acfw.com/
